BOXING

BOXING; These Three Are Worth Watching

Published: June 23, 1991

Talent needs testing to gain stature. Last April in Atlantic City, the reputations of three young, undefeated and frequently praised heavyweights were diminished when they met opponents superior to those they had been facing.

At least they managed to win, under adversity. Bruce Seldon did not. Against a merely competent opponent, Oliver McCall, he quit.

The point is that it's easy to be fooled about young fighters who are accorded a careful buildup by managers with an eye to profits. Just the same, the three fighters recommended here as potential pound-for-pound legitimates seem to have the tools to take them to the next step, where they will face, in the boxing vernacular, "live bodies." Roy Jones Jr.

22 years old, middleweight, 13-0, 13 knockouts, Pensacola, Fla.

Jones is the 1988 Olympic silver medalist who was deprived of the gold by an unpopular decision that went in favor of a South Korean fighter. No matter. He still has the whole package: quick hands, power and a performer's pleasure in his skills. But there are questions about whether the strong hold his father, Roy Sr., has on him has inhibited his progress. The critics say Roy Sr., who manages and trains the fighter, is too cautious and too much the outsider to get his son positioned for the big time. Earlier this year, the Jones's attorney, Fred Levin, hinted at a freeze-out by the boxing establishment, but lately he's saying discussions are continuing about Jones's fighting for one of the world middleweight titles. "I believe before the end of the year, you'll see Roy Jones Jr. in a world championship bout," said Levin. "Roy has as much name value as anyone in the division." Does father know best? Stay tuned. Jones has the natural skills to be a champion and a big-money fighter. Gabe Ruelas

20 years old, junior lightweight, 22-1, 12 knockouts, Arleta, Calif.

When he was a youngster, Ruelas and his brother, Rafael, knocked at the door of Dan Goossen, selling boxes of candy. Goossen now manages both fighters, and his brother Joe trains them. Rafael recently won the North American Boxing Federation featherweight crown, knocking out Stevie Cruz. Rafael is a tall (5 feet 11 inches), somewhat awkward featherweight who punches hard. But Gabe seems the better all-round talent. He bears a minor resemblance to Roberto Duran, and fights with similar intensity. Punches are compact and rapid-fire. In April 1990, Gabe was beating Jeff Franklin handily when he broke his right elbow. "The doctors say X-rays indicate he probably broke it as a kid," said Goossen, describing an earlier fall from a horse in Jalisco, Mexico. "But they predict the elbow will be fine." Because of the injury, Ruelas did not fight until June 1. Charles Murray

23, junior welterweight, 20-1, 13 knockouts, South Orange, N.J.

While his Triple Threat stablemate, Ray Mercer, has got more publicity, as well as the World Boxing Organization heavyweight crown, Murray is likelier to find lasting success. He's a good technician but not as flashy as Jones or as vibrant as Ruelas. This is just a fighter who gets the job done. While Murray lost a split decision and his United States Boxing Association title to the veteran Terrence Alli on May 12, he should get better and eventually challenge for a world title.